I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life. I grew up in a quiet, somewhat isolated part of the county, with low crime and friendly neighbors. Nothing big usually happens there. And likewise, despite the professional and travel experiences I’ve been privileged to have, I’ve stayed out of the way of major events. They say we remember bad/intense experiences better than most because the adrenaline burns them into our memory. 28 years later, I can still remember this very vividly.

Flash back to May 25th, 1986. Every year, the local airport, Berlin Municipal Airport (KBML) had an airshow. The runway way long enough that they could host some fairly large and interesting planes, military and private.

That year, one of the performers was the Flying Farmer – Bob Weymouth of Dresden, ME (pictured above). Typical stunt pilot in an older model fixed wing, single prop plane. In this case it was a 1946 Piper J3C-65, doing the typical dips, climbs, rolls and other common maneuvers. Weymouth was apparently a very experienced pilot with decades of stunt shows in this plane on his resume. (more…)

I listen to NPR everyday. They have many fine journalists, correspondents, hosts and other professionals and produce very intelligent and intriguing news and information pieces. I began to catalog some of the names of these people in my head and realized that many are very unique. Some so unique that if you weren’t paying attention, they might blend right in as part of a medical or science segment. Here’s a small quiz to test your knowledge. Answers are below. No cheating.

I was recently in Florida and while perusing a beach themed souvenir store, I realized that there is a whole line of goods – from hats to shirts to ash trays – all emblazoned with LIFE GUARD or BEACH PATROL on them. Now this is cute if you’re not at the beach, or at the lake or pool, but what if you’re actually in need of life saving assistance near a body of water? Do we let people off the street walk around in lab coats or scrubs in a hospital? No. Do we let non-pilots walk around in pilot uniforms in airports or on planes. Not likely.

I’m not sure what the solution is, here, but I’m sure you now realize the problem.

I have never seen anyone buy just one package/bottle/etc of Waist Watcher soda. Anytime I’ve seen anyone at any local grocery store, they are purchasing or have purchased 15 package/bottles/etc. I realize the stuff is cheap and low calorie, but what can possibly prompt people to hoard and/or consume such mass quantities?

Wait. They apparently make a “diet chocolate fudge” soda. Soda! OK, well maybe these folks have the right idea.